Giving Looked After Children Memories to Last a Lifetime

With the school summer holidays upon us we caught up with Excel foster carer Gwen to learn a little bit more about taking foster children on holiday and why it’s important.

Memories that will last a lifetime.

Gwen has always made a point of taking her foster children on family holidays abroad. For Gwen and her family it has been an important part of their fostering journey, ensuring that children in care have positive life experiences and memories to take with them into adulthood.

She explains, with many of these children coming from underprivileged backgrounds when they come to Gwen, often they have never been on a plane before.

“They may never have this opportunity again, and there is nothing like that feeling of getting up early to catch a flight, being in an airport and the heat of a foreign country hitting your face when you step off the plane. Those memories will stay with them forever, I’m so happy that I can give them that.”

Practicalities of taking looked after children abroad.

Many people may be daunted by the idea of taking a foster child on holiday out of the country, but Gwen is keen to reassure those people that not only is it possible to include your foster children in those hugely beneficial activities but also possible to do the same for children living with additional needs.

In fact, this year Gwen will be taking her two foster children abroad, both of whom have additional learning needs, along with her grandchild. Some would say she must be a glutton for punishment, but Gwen says it all comes down to good planning.

“Only you know your children, so you plan what is right for them and you as a family. It might not be right for them to go abroad, plan and try to prepare them as best you can.”

Of course, going on holiday abroad is not for every family. Although Gwen prefers to do so if she can, as that experience is truly different, the sights and the smells, and embracing a different culture.

Adapting to the needs of your child when planning a holiday.

For Gwen’s foster son, who has autism, preparation has been key in the build-up. They have spent time talking him through the whole process, telling him the details of the day from going through security to getting on the plane.

“YouTube has been a godsend. He’s been able to watch videos of what airports are like and what to expect. If he hadn’t been prepared, he would have froze on the day.”

Mancherster Airport in particular has some great resources, from YouTube videos specifically catered for those with autism. Books at each terminal, as well as more such as ring assistance.

Yet, with her foster daughter she has had to take the opposite approach. Due to her ADHD, if Gwen had shared the details with her she would have been overwhelmed with the information. She knows they are going on holiday, but not when. Gwen has involved her in little ways, like buying some new holiday clothes and essentials. Things to get excited by. Only on the day will she know they are going.

“She will have a million questions.” Gwen laughs, “But she’ll cope. She’s seventeen and has never built a sandcastle, I’m so excited that she gets this experience.”

It’s more simple than you might think to be able to take foster children abroad, after speaking with your Supervising Social Worker a letter from the local authority is issued giving you permission to take the children out of the country.

Could you give a vulnerable child incredible life experience, and memories that will last a lifetime? Enquire with Excel Fostering on 01253 712734, we would love to chat.